Tottenham are fully on the hunt for Norwegian Andreas Schjelderup – but Benfica’s new manager Marco Silva has already called the player who is back home in Norway on holiday and given a clear message: You will stay.
The tug-of-war for the next big one from Norway has started
As Roberto De Zerbi continues his massive clean-up in north London, Spurs have turned their attention to the attacking line. After spending over £230 million on midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, as well as centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, it is now the attack that needs to be strengthened.
Read: Manchester United mean business! Thinks £40 million is cheap for Sander Berge
And at the top of the wish list is a well-known name for Norwegian football fans: Andreas Schjelderup.
The 22-year-old, who left Bodø/Glimt six years ago, has taken Europe by storm after his sensational performances in the World Cup, where he scored a fantastic goal against England in the quarter-finals – and recorded four assists in total in the tournament.
Now Europe’s biggest clubs are fighting for his signature. But Benfica will not let him go without a fight.
Silva: “Schjelderup is fundamental to my plan”
Marco Silva, who recently left Fulham to take over Benfica, has already taken action.
According to Portuguese Correio da Manhã, Silva has had direct talks with the Norwegian attacker and emphasized that he sees him as a fundamental piece in his tactical system and his future project at the Estadio da Luz.
Silva is fully aware of the growing interest from Tottenham, Liverpool and several other big European clubs, but his message to Schjelderup is crystal clear: You are my key player.
The problem for Benfica? Schjelderup himself wants a more competitive league where he can challenge himself at a higher level.
Why Benfica may still have to sell
Despite Silva’s desire to keep the Norwegian, Benfica are in a difficult financial situation.
The club failed to qualify for this season’s Champions League – a huge financial loss that forces them to balance their accounts.
And Schjelderup, with his value skyrocketing after the World Cup, is now seen as a marketable asset.
According to Portuguese Record, the price tag is set at around €50 million – equivalent to approximately £43 million.
Read: Harry Kane is open about his future after loss to Argentina
Tottenham are chasing wide – but Schjelderup is in the wind
Tottenham’s interest in Schjelderup is real, but the club also has other irons in the fire on the left wing.
Names such as Rafael Leao, Savinho and Antonio Nusa have all been linked with Spurs, and Liverpool have also reportedly expressed their interest in the Norwegian star.
Nevertheless, Schjelderup’s combination of technique, speed and goalscoring flair – shown on the world’s biggest stage in the World Championships – makes him extra attractive.
In addition, Tottenham have an urgent need to fill the void left by Son Heung-min, who left the club last summer. The club is also looking for a more productive striker, and Schjelderup’s flexibility as both a winger and an inside runner makes him a very exciting option.
The door is ajar
Although Silva has sat on his hind legs, the situation is far from clear.
Benfica may be forced to sell to balance the accounts, and with Schjelderup’s own desire to try his hand at a top league, the summer could be the big turning point for the Norwegian’s career.
Tottenham have already shown that they are willing to spend money – over £230 million so far – and with De Zerbi on the hunt for the perfect attacking reinforcement, Schjelderup could quickly become one of the hottest names in the summer window.
One thing is certain: The battle for Norwegian Andreas Schjelderup is in full swing, and the Benfica boss must soon decide – does he sell the star, or does he risk losing him for less later?
Keep your eyes peeled. This transitional saga is far from over.
